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Co-organised by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam’s Institute for Foreign
Policies and Strategic Studies and the Russian-based Valdai Discussion Club, the
event gathers experts and public officials. Their discussions are set to revolve
around the topics of Asia security affairs; multilateral cooperation in Asian
and Eurasia; and post-2019 prospects for the Vietnam – Russia relations.
Delivering his opening speech, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said the
presence of visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the seminar not
only reflects its importance but also affirms the long-standing traditional ties
between the two nations.
He highlighted that Vietnam and Russia share a high level of political trust,
increasing economic-trade cooperation, strong security-defence ties, and
extensive collaboration in culture-society and education-training.
After the Eurasia Economic Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement took effect in
October 2016, the Vietnam – Russia trade increases 30 percent annually toward a
goal of 10 billion USD in 2020, Son added.
The diplomat expected participating scholars and experts to clarify key features
of the international context, which is undergoing radical changes, assess
opportunities and challenges affecting the bilateral relations, and put forth
policy recommendations for both sides.
He stated that based on the current fruitful ties, Vietnam and Russia could
together capitalise on opportunities and overcome challenges to push their
cooperation to new heights, benefiting the two nations, the region, and the
world as well.
Agreeing with Son, Lavrov said the relationship between Russia and the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is important in coping with
global changes.
He recommended the sides, based on their common concerns, make efforts in
building trade and security cooperation mechanisms in search of solutions that
could lead to regional and global peace and stability.
The Russian FM said his country is an integral member of the Asia – Pacific and
always attentive to increasing cooperation with other countries in the region,
particularly Vietnam, in cybersecurity, health, and combating terrorism and
illegal immigration, among others.
He said the Vietnam – Russia collaboration is getting closer across defence,
economy, culture, education, and tourism, adding that the two share similarities
in their stances regarding international issues and both are highly committed to
international conventions on external relations.
Russia considers the partnership with Vietnam a key part in its relations with
the ASEAN, the diplomat stated, stressing his belief in future growth of the
ties.
Source: VNA
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